World Footy News

Recently we reported that David Matthews (pictured), the AFL's General Manager, National & International Development, was shifting from Melbourne to Sydney to take on the role of General Manager, Market Development - see Game Development head shifts to Sydney. We had a quick chat to Matthews to see how this might impact the AFL's burgeoning involvement in international development of the sport.

First up we asked if other Game Development staff such as Josh Vanderloo, who has worked closely with international leagues, will also be shifting. The answer appears to be no, and in fact there could be an expanded international section. "(We're) about to appoint a full-time International Manager based at the AFL in Melbourne reporting to me as part of (the) Department".

A growing international flavour is likely to help give credibility to the game in emerging markets like western Sydney - something we've argued the case for at WFN since we first began. So with Matthews' move to the Sydney area, will that accelerate? Matthews confirmed that the "(international) profile will keep increasing".

And finally a bit of speculation as to whether his shift could suggest that the 2011 International Cup might move to New South Wales as part of the Greater Western Sydney drive. But Matthews but that theory to bed. "My move is irrelevant as far as venue concerned".